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Red Bull Racing drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel could have been sent to the back of the grid for illegal engine mapping. Photo by LAT Photographic

Panel sides with Red Bull in Formula One engine-mapping charge

July 21, 2012

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The FIA stewards have decided not to take any action against Red Bull Racing over its engine mapping.

FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer had noted an engine-map irregularity related to off-throttle blowing of the diffuser, which is now illegal in Formula One racing.

A technical report from Bauer said: “Having examined the engine base torque map of car Nos. 01 and 02, it became apparent that the maximum torque output of both engines is significantly less in the mid-rpm range than previously seen for these engines at other events.

“In my opinion, this is therefore in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the 2012 F1 Technical Regulations, as the engines are able to deliver more torque at a given engine speed in the mid rpm range.

“Furthermore, this new torque map will artificially alter the aerodynamic characteristics of both cars which is also in contravention on TD 036-11.”

Had the team been found guilty, Vettel and Webber would potentially have gone to the back of the grid for Sunday's German Grand Prix in Hockenheim.

In effect, the stewards decided that the rule was not written precisely enough, so it could not be applied successfully.

The stewards, who include American Tim Mayer, reported, “While the stewards do not accept all the arguments of the team, they, however, concede that as the regulation is written, the map presented does not breach the text of Art 5.5.3 of the Formula One Technical Regulations and therefore decide to take no further action.”